Earth Science
Human Impacts on the Earth’s Environment
Global Warming
Study Tip
Think about greenhouse gasses as a large blanket. It traps warmth and keeps it from escaping.
Global Warming
- Global warming is the gradual warming of the Earth due to the trapping of greenhouse gasses primarily released by human activity.
- The rate that temperature has been increasing has been greatest within the past century.
- The 2000s have been the warmest decade recorded.
- Gases such as carbon dioxide enhance the greenhouse effect and causes global temperature to increase.
Changes
- The timing for the events of species is changing.
- For instance, mating and migrations take place earlier in the spring months due to the changing temperatures.
- Sea levels are rising due to the ice caps melting.
Study Tip
Think about greenhouse gasses as a large blanket. It traps warmth and keeps it from escaping.
The global temperatures continue to
rise as global warming occurs.
rise as global warming occurs.
Concept Check
- How does the Earth’s temperature change due to global warming?
- What other effects does global warming have on the Earth?
